To scoot or not to scoot...

[Wyndham]

Recently, I have unfortunately been finding that my legs feel as though they are about to collapse under me, and this has been happening more regularly - in fact almost every time I walk any distance, or stand for any long period.

Anyway, I was walking around the Brent Cross Shopping Centre when this happened again. Fortunately I had a friend with me - from the sheltered accommodation centre where I now live - and he helped me to find somewhere to sit down. Apparently I had gone all white in the face and he was quite worried - I hadn't realised this at the time.

After talking for a while, he urged me to go to Shopmobility and get on a scooter. After some persuasion we started off to get a scooter when I nearly collapsed again. By this time we had acquired a centre security assistant (or whatever they are called) who was guiding us to Shopmobility. This nice man then rushed off and got a wheelchair, and then escorted me to get my scooter which you can see in the picture.

My reluctance stems from 'not wanting to make a fuss', 'not wanting to seem to give up', 'not wanting to stand out', and embarrassment among other silly notions. For me though, it was a big step to do this and without my friend persuading me, I would have still resisted, even though I was clearly struggling to stay on my feet. Daft...

So there I was, nervously wending my way though the other shoppers, many of whom appeared not to see me, so that I had to stop several times to avoid them. I did manage however and had no problems. In fact, the whole experience was quite liberating.

Instead of feeling like I was letting myself down by getting on a scooter, for the first time in quite a while, I was able to enjoy window shopping and getting around a large shopping centre. Something I have not been able to enjoy for so long that I can't even remember.

It did help to have someone with me, especially while I was learning how to do things like reverse out of the lift, so I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is about to have their first scooter ride. I would also recommend Shopmobility who couldn't have been friendlier. At Brent Cross the scooters were also free - I'm not sure about other sites.

For reference, here is the Shopmobility web site. shopmobilityuk.org/ Among other useful information, it also has a directory of Shopmobility sites around the country.

So, the question: To scoot or not to scoot.

I don't need my own a scooter just yet, especially as my local shopping centre, and local supermarket both have scooters to borrow. It does seem however, that I will need something in the future, so I am now getting advice about what to think about when the time comes so I will be prepared. Wheelchair or scooter? And if a scooter, what type, and which one? Even a quick perusal on the internet reveals a mass of choices. The only thing I am fairly sure about so far, is that I will probably get something though Motability. motability.co.uk/scooters-a...

There is still a lot for me to work though, like travelling on a bus - and especially getting on and getting off - and so on. I am also still dealing with the issues or 'notions' I mentioned earlier.

Thank you for listening to my story.

(Somebody please put some useful tags up. The suggested ones were not helpful at all.)

[Hidden]

So when are you going to buy your leathers

Only joking Wyndham.

I`m so glad that you have found more independence for yourself. There are numerous mobility company`s around the country that have very good selections of electric wheelchairs which can be used indoors and outdoors as well as scooters.

I had my set on a nice electric wheelchair for use indoor/outdoor, but due to the blackouts I suffer from the doctor advised against it. At least until they can find the cause or control them to the point of not having any again.

A scooter would be no good to me as my legs are 95% gone.

I know th feeling of wanting to keep using your legs, to keep walking, to not wanting give up.

You have not let yourself down shipmate under any circumstances, just talking about it shows that you are still a fighter, well done.

John-H

[Fifa Volunteer]

Hello Wyndham

Getting a scooter was one of the best things I could have done. As you say it gives you freedom . I used mine for everything.

I now have a power chair it is indoor and out which means I no longer have to transfer, something that was getting harder.

This afternoon my carer and I will practise getting in and out of my vehicle which is wheelchair adapted.

Take care

Carol

[Nigel-2112]

Hi, like you I chose not to have one, but with limited mobility the choice was either use my energy getting to the shop or using a scooter to get to the shops which is a better use and made my wife much happier! Currently I am looking at a power chair since I have broken my leg, which should allow me to run round home and to the car. Personally I would buy one, they are only £500 for a scooter as opposed to one from motorbility.

Look after yourself Nigel

[Wyndham in reply to Nigel-2112]

Nigel,

Pity about the knee. Hope it's not too painful and soon mended.

I can manage at home as I just hang onto the furniture or use a stick. I can even manage to water the hanging baskets where I need both hands to hold the jug of water. I have to go slowly and wobble a bit, but I enjoy the feeling of achievement afterwards.

[wobblybee]

Hi Wyndham!

I was at the Metrocentre with my husband on Saturday, he likes to think it's good exercise

because he's desk bound all week! The number of times I took advantage of an empty

seat was rediculous, I found myself looking enviously at people serenely gliding past on

scooters.

Nice pic, you look in total command! xB

[Wyndham in reply to wobblybee]

Wobblybee - Oh how I can relate to this, having to be constantly on the lookout for the next place to sit...

[grumpygranny]

Know what you mean re Laurel & Hardy! Grandaughter (F.A.) & I (fractured ankle in plastercast) staggering and lurching through house - separately - so as not to crash & fall in a heap!!

[abbofella]

I am not normally too unsteady but get very tired quickly when shopping. Then I am all over the place and get very strange looks. So I got a 4 wheeled walker with a seat. About £70 on the internet. Folds up to go in the car, reasonably light. Works a treat for me. Can sit while wifey tries things on, and carry parcels etc. even little grandson when he has had enough walking. Recommend one with big wheels, better on gravel and rough ground. good shopping!! John

[february]

Kudos to you Wyndham! I applaud you for doing what you feel is right! I was diagnosed with ataxia 10 years ago. I resisted using a cane for quite a while as I, like you, didn't want to "give up or give in", until I fell, severely injuring my back! I started using a cane and never looked back! And I'll proudly use a walker, wheelchair or scooter when the time comes! Much better safe than sorry! And it's liberating to enjoy what you're doing, without worrying that your legs will give out! My best to you...,;o)

[Wyndham]

Hi everyone and thanks for a wonderful response. The encouragement is one of the things that makes this site so great - in spite of recent technical changes...

Today, my garage telephoned me to say that my car is going to cost a great deal more to repair than it is worth, in spite of an MOT and service in April! So tomorrow it will be towed away to be scrapped.

Anyway, any decision regarding the acquisition of a mobility scooter has suddenly scooted up the to do list (like what I did there?).

So do I go to Motability and get a car, or a scooter? This will be a very difficult decision. Please wish me well (aaargh...)

[Hidden in reply to Wyndham]

A car can carry your wheelchair

A scooter, you will at one point have to alight and walk, mmm, maybe not a good idea, it depends on the distance

An electric wheelchair for use indoors and outdoors, maybe a good thing

Ask the audience, phone a friend, or go....................

Good luck in your choice either way Wyndham

John-H

[Zhez]

Hiya, when the OT told me that I needed to use a powerchair I was devastated. I bought a second hand one and instead of using it I changed my job!! I hated going through town etc and getting 'the look'. Anyway, 4 years on and me and my new chair are bessie mates!! I'd personally recommend a chair as they are easier on buses, taxis and trains. Here in Devon you can't go on a bus with a scooter. They're much easier to navigate around shops too. I even take my dog for a walk, he's on to a good thing because when he's had enough he gets on my lap for a ride home!!

[Hidden in reply to Zhez]

Zhez, I laughed at the part where the dog jumps on your lap when tired

[Zhez in reply to Hidden]

Hi John, I'll get my daughter or carer to take a photo next time we're out, he's well cute!!

[Aussielad in reply to Zhez]

Hi Zhez, Next Tuesday I will have an assessment done by a OT, for a wheelchair, I have been using a walker for a few years now, but my legs are getting weaker, occasionally I have used a WC. I would like a scooter or a power chair. What do you feel is the best overall ?